Cumberland is located in the northeastern corner of Rhode Island, bordering Massachusetts, and was first settled in 1635. It is a town rich in history with seven local historic districts. Home to the only large deposit of the rare iron-rich mineral, Cumberlandite, which is also the state rock of Rhode Island. Cumberland is comprised of ten villages: Abbott Run, Arnold Mills, Ashton, Berkeley, Cumberland Hill, Cumberland Mills, Diamond Hill, Grant Mills, Lonsdale and Valley Falls.
The town offers a suburban lifestyle mixed with charming rural areas. It is a family oriented town with tight-knit communities and one of the top five school districts in Rhode Island. Green space is abundant in Cumberland with many parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
Within the 373 acres of Diamond Hill State Park is Rhode Island’s 2nd tallest hill plus numerous hiking trails, athletic fields, picnic areas, and mountain bike routes. The park is also the site of the popular Cumberlandfest, the town’s annual summer carnival held each year on the second weekend of August. Cumberland is a gold mine of trails for hiking enthusiasts. There are miles and miles of hiking trails throughout the town, all with different sceneries, designs and skill levels. Over three miles of the paved Blackstone River Bikeway runs through Cumberland. This well-maintained bike path with granite mile markers and trail signs passes rolling dams, beautiful scenery and also crosses a 6 span bridge.
Cumberland has many farms offering a variety of fruits, vegetables and baked goods. At Phantom Farm you can pick your own apples or pumpkins, take a hay ride in the Fall or just grab a fresh baked muffin and coffee. Adams Farm offers an animal petting area, a 5 acre mega corn maze, a walking path, farm stand, picnic tables, hayrides and the largest pumpkin patch in the state, plus they were voted best pumpkin picking in Rhode Island. Interstate 295 and local Routes 122 – Mendon Road and 114 – Diamond Hill Road, which run parallel through Cumberland, provide easy accessibility around town and the state. These main routes are where you’ll find everyday conveniences from bakeries, grocery stores, gas stations, coffee shops, and restaurants.
No need to leave town for a great dining experience or a quick meal when you have restaurants such as La Familia, Angelo’s Palace Pizza, Davenport’s or GottaQ Smokehouse BBQ. For delicious desserts, stop in at Juliana’s Italian Bakery or the newly opened Under The Willow Bakery. The Coffee Connection is another great spot for specialty coffee, espresso, cappuccino, blended drinks and smoothies, all which pair nicely with a fresh bagel/pastry or if you prefer a salad, sandwich or even an acai bowl. For a truly unique experience be sure to visit Diamond Hill Vineyards – a hidden gem.
